Nigerian business magnate Aliko Dangote has endorsed former finance minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, as the ideal candidate to lead the World Trade Organization (WTO).
The 2019 richest black man in the world gave his endorsement of Okonjo-Iweala via his verified Twitter handle @AlikoDangote.
Dangote in his tweet said, “in these challenging times, the WTO needs the renowned skills and tested experience of Dr Ngozi Okonjo Iweala to lead the organisation through identified obstacles and strengthen its position as the prime facilitator of international trade.
“A vote for her by all is a step in the right direction. I fully endorse the candidature of Okonjo-Iweala to lead the WTO.”
In her response to Dangote, Ngozi Olonjo Iweala via her Twitter handle @NOIweala, said “Thank you Aliko my Brother for these wonderful words. As a globally acclaimed Businessman, your knowledge about WTO and your confidence in my ability to serve is much appreciated.”
Okonjo-Iweala is one of the eight candidates who were nominated by their respective governments to succeed the current Director-General, Roberto Azevêdo, who announced in May that he would step down on August 31st.
The nomination period for the 2020 DG selection process ended on 8 July. The second phase of the process in which the candidates “make themselves known to members” will end on 7 September. On that day, the third phase will begin.
The Chair of the General Council, together with the chairs of the Dispute Settlement Body and the Trade Policy Review Body, will start to consult with all WTO members to assess their preferences and seek to determine which candidate is best placed to attract consensus support.